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PT-AX100 problem? - Page 11

post #301 of 791
8/20/07 at 10:15pm
I have not heard any recent updates on the momentary flashing purple line during 1080p playback over HDMI ( I still have this problem intermittently). I had read previously that at least one member solved their problem with a new HDMI cable. While playing around with the PJ this evening I observed something interesting:

With my PS3 directly connected to the projector via my HDMI cable ( Pannyoption menu displayed). The HDMI signal level, on the Panny, displays as "Normal" with the option to change it to "Expand". It stays in this mode while gaming. If I start playback of a DVD the "Normal" status blacks out and there is also no option to select this anymore. It would appear that the projector is not sensing the HDMI signal properly or the signal output level from the Sony has dropped causing this change. The movie still displays properly but I do get the intermittent purple line at times. The signal level always returns to "Normal" once I stop playback and go back to the main Sony options menu.

As an experiment, and since I just purchased an XBOX 360 Elite, I connected it directly via HDMI and performed the same test. Interestingly, the XBOX does not exhibit this same phenomenon. The HDMI signal level stays at "Normal" with the option to change it to "Expand" when playing games or during DVD playback at 1080p.

Maybe someone with access to a Panasonic engineer could ask about the HDMI signal level option and how that is being handled by the system. Could this be a software glitch? Why would it disappear for the PS3 and not for the XBOX? Is the Panny susceptible to a dropoff in HDMI signal input? Could this be contributing to the intermittent purple flash? Will Dorothy ever make it back to Kansas?

I have been tempted to try something like the Atlona HDMI signal booster but have been skeptical of its performance. The reason being is the current HDMI cable that I have is a very high quality one manufactured by Key Digital. The other option would be to purchase another high quality cable (of shorter length) and test to see if anything changes. I just have not had the time to do that.

I will post further experience if I decide to try a booster, go with a new cable or just banish the PS3 from the theater and give it a time out in game room

Updates to come,

JD
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post #302 of 791
8/21/07 at 1:58am
Hi guys, I am new to this forum and I am from Czech Republic so please apologize my bad English. I have the same problem with the iris as almost all of you. I am now considering the "home made" repair as posted by user dmi, because of the very bad return policy here in Czehc rep. I can live without the dynamic iris, so it will not be a major problem for me. So my questions are: 1) Can somebody please make a little more detailed guide, or at least a photo of "finished repair", I mean when everything is in its place. It will be very helpfull for me. 2) What is the 18 gauge wire thick like? Sorry I am a noob in this one and we in Europe are using some different measurements... 3) Did somebody try the complete removal of the dynamic iris? Maybe this would have been the simpliest solution, or is it too risky to run the PJ without it? Thanks in advance for your replies
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post #303 of 791
8/21/07 at 5:27am
DMI, Dude ur trick worked wonders. Million thanks

I did a non permanent method to solve the problem. I took a bendable wire and made a small hook at one end. Inserted the hook into the hole and suspended the wire to the top of the lamp cover. Then everything worked fine 2 to 4 times.

Then the strangest thing happened. I removed the wire and tried switching on the Projector and vola! everything still worked fine. No longer the iris open fully. nor does do i hear sounds from it. a mild sound. but not heavy like before.

It is just my guess that ones the iris is properly in place then the projector starts functioning well. But I will keep u guys posted if this fails.

I will attach some pictures in a while to help people out.
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post #304 of 791
8/21/07 at 5:44am
Here are some pcitures .... unfortunately i dont have a pic with the mod. i was so excited the projector worked i forgot to take some pics with the mod.

hope this helps somewhat.
LL
LL
LL
LL
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post #305 of 791
8/21/07 at 9:25am
Mine just started the other day, 380 hours. Piss me off. Any luck servicing in Canada? What are the warranty on these things anyways?

Thanks
Ryan
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post #306 of 791
8/21/07 at 11:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by iggymama View Post

It improves PERCEIVED CONTRAST significantly. Even my husband, who is way less picky than I am, notices the improvement.

I attached the velvet with double stick tape to the top & bottom of my screen, and adjust the screen height as need so the masking lines up as close as possible, but I still have to move the lens a bit to center the image. I use small peices of velcro to stick two pieces of velvet to mask the sides when watching 4:3 content - very easy, no height adjustment needed, and huge gains in PERCEIVED CONTRAST. My only issue is with anamorphic widescreen DVDs, which I watch maybe once a week.

I use Sy triple black velvet purchased for only $5.50 a yard online (cost me <$30 altogether - hundreds less than an electric 106" HP screen, which would still require masking to cover the white parts of the screen, the screen frame, and BELOW the screen where I get a lot of overspill which is quite annoying).

Just a few words to second this excellent suggestion.

I really hated the "black bars" on my Infocus X1 (4:3 PJ) projected image in 2003. I bought Felt (Felt really absorbs light) at Joanns (Velvet had a sheen I didn't like.) and made two different sized masking pairs of Felt strips (Top and bottom for 1.77 and 2.35 films).
I glued Velcro on the sides of the frame (the male - hooks portion) and the Felt strips stuck to it perfectly. The lack of Dark Gray bars really made the image pop out.

I haven't done the same with our new Optoma HD70 PJ but I will soon. The difference is well worth the effort.
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post #307 of 791
8/21/07 at 11:44am
Thank you Cyrano for seconding my suggestion to mask your screen. It is well worth the effort.

Sy fabric black triple velvet has NO SHEEN whatsoever! Better at absorbing light and blacker than anything I have seen, and I am not the only one who is a believer. Seeing is believing!
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post #308 of 791
8/21/07 at 12:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by iggymama View Post

Thank you Cyrano for seconding my suggestion to mask your screen. It is well worth the effort.

Sy fabric black triple velvet has NO SHEEN whatsoever! Better at absorbing light and blacker than anything I have seen, and I am not the only one who is a believer. Seeing is believing!

Glad to do it, Iggy.

The Velvet at Joanns wasn't as forgiving as yours. And the Felt attaches to Velcro as though it is (the female side of) Velcro. The setup was a snap.

Amazing how good the pic can look when it has nothing but itself to be seen. Really POPS
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post #309 of 791
8/21/07 at 9:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by CroATM View Post

PaulB_30 and iggymama, thanks so much for your suggestions. I went with PaulB_30's quick solution....
Thanks again!

I'm glad that you found the information useful, but I was only the messenger. In fact, my contribution to the other forum was to suggest getting the outlet tester (I've since deleted that post as I obviously didn't understand what was meant by "grounding problem.")
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post #310 of 791
8/22/07 at 12:30pm
So DMI, Did you get a chance to send your fix solution to Panny and what was there response?

I've tried to use the online email form and it has a java error on it and won't send. If anyone knows the email for Panny, I'll email the info about DMI's Iris Fix.
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post #311 of 791
8/22/07 at 11:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdskycaster View Post

I have not heard any recent updates on the momentary flashing purple line during 1080p playback over HDMI ( I still have this problem intermittently). I had read previously that at least one member solved their problem with a new HDMI cable. While playing around with the PJ this evening I observed something interesting:

With my PS3 directly connected to the projector via my HDMI cable ( Pannyoption menu displayed). The HDMI signal level, on the Panny, displays as "Normal" with the option to change it to "Expand". It stays in this mode while gaming. If I start playback of a DVD the "Normal" status blacks out and there is also no option to select this anymore. It would appear that the projector is not sensing the HDMI signal properly or the signal output level from the Sony has dropped causing this change. The movie still displays properly but I do get the intermittent purple line at times. The signal level always returns to "Normal" once I stop playback and go back to the main Sony options menu.

As an experiment, and since I just purchased an XBOX 360 Elite, I connected it directly via HDMI and performed the same test. Interestingly, the XBOX does not exhibit this same phenomenon. The HDMI signal level stays at "Normal" with the option to change it to "Expand" when playing games or during DVD playback at 1080p.

Maybe someone with access to a Panasonic engineer could ask about the HDMI signal level option and how that is being handled by the system. Could this be a software glitch? Why would it disappear for the PS3 and not for the XBOX? Is the Panny susceptible to a dropoff in HDMI signal input? Could this be contributing to the intermittent purple flash? Will Dorothy ever make it back to Kansas?

I have been tempted to try something like the Atlona HDMI signal booster but have been skeptical of its performance. The reason being is the current HDMI cable that I have is a very high quality one manufactured by Key Digital. The other option would be to purchase another high quality cable (of shorter length) and test to see if anything changes. I just have not had the time to do that.

I will post further experience if I decide to try a booster, go with a new cable or just banish the PS3 from the theater and give it a time out in game room

Updates to come,

JD



Hello JD,

I have the same purple flash happening with my Panny during dvd playback. I am running a 25ft 24awg HDMI cable to my PS3. I was thinking of buying a higher end HDMI cable to see if problem is corrected. I do not have the option of a shorter cable.

Please keep us informed on your findings.
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post #312 of 791
8/23/07 at 4:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sesparza831 View Post

Hello JD,

I have the same purple flash happening with my Panny during dvd playback. I am running a 25ft 24awg HDMI cable to my PS3. I was thinking of buying a higher end HDMI cable to see if problem is corrected. I do not have the option of a shorter cable.

Please keep us informed on your findings.


My problem went away once I switched my output of my blu-ray player to 720p. I think I must have damaged my cable while running it in the walls & attic.. I know I wasn't very gentle! Once I get my new projector that is 1080p in a year or so I'll run up into the attic and change the cable out and be more careful.
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post #313 of 791
8/23/07 at 7:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by sesparza831 View Post

Hello JD,

I have the same purple flash happening with my Panny during dvd playback. I am running a 25ft 24awg HDMI cable to my PS3. I was thinking of buying a higher end HDMI cable to see if problem is corrected. I do not have the option of a shorter cable.

Please keep us informed on your findings.

sesparza831,
Would you mind taking a look at the "Option" Menu on your AX100? Let me know if you have the same issue with the HD signal level during playback of a DVD.

Thanks,

JD
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post #314 of 791
8/23/07 at 11:33am
Just talked to a Service Center in Calgary and she said on the repair sheets for the Pt-AX100U is to replace the analyst block (i believe thats what she said). ANy one have any idea if this fixes the problem??

Mine has to go in.

Thanks
Ryan
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post #315 of 791
8/23/07 at 12:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeoOiler View Post

Just talked to a Service Center in Calgary and she said on the repair sheets for the Pt-AX100U is to replace the analyst block (i believe thats what she said). ANy one have any idea if this fixes the problem??

Mine has to go in.

Thanks
Ryan

Hey Ryan,

Did you buy yours in Canada? I bought mine in Nov 2006 from a retailer in the US on ebay. Was kind of curious whether Panasonic Canada would honor the warranty. So far I have about 550 hours on my projector. I think the manufacture date is Sep 2006. I haven't had any iris problems and my color uniformity and everything else with the projector has been great.

Brendin
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post #316 of 791
8/23/07 at 2:04pm
Yup. I bought mine in Edmonton. As far as the warranty I honestly dont know if thats honored. Usually it has to be in the same country. But I definately could be wrong about that.
I had the thing in a box since february. I have had it out about 1.5 months or so. And iris failure. I will have to look what manuf. date I have. I think its Nov2006.

Ryan
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post #317 of 791
8/25/07 at 10:57pm
My iris failed @ 478 hours. Bought December 06. It's headed for Heartland.
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post #318 of 791
8/26/07 at 11:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeoOiler View Post

Yup. I bought mine in Edmonton. As far as the warranty I honestly dont know if thats honored. Usually it has to be in the same country. But I definately could be wrong about that.
I had the thing in a box since february. I have had it out about 1.5 months or so. And iris failure. I will have to look what manuf. date I have. I think its Nov2006.

Ryan

One thing you may want to consider is that front projection is not a replacement for everyday TV viewing. I know that it is tempting with this PJ because of the light output and the ability to view in near normal lighting conditions.

In the other thread you mention you already have close to 400 hours on yours and it has only been in service for 1.5 months? That is a lot of use in that short of a time period. I thought I used mine excessively with 200 hours @ 4 months.

With FP's coming down in price there are many people thinking this is a great solution for everyday TV viewing/gaming for hours on end. The truth is, these units are not designed for this type of usage model. I would suggest getting an LCD or RP DLP for long gaming sessions and TV viewing and reserving the FP for shorter viewing sessions. If this is just not practical, the best thing you can do is to make sure your room is temperature controlled and very well ventilated. The higher the ambient temp. the harder it is on the PJ internals. Their temp. will be much higher than the ambient air temp and this leads to premature failures.

If this will be your primary display device then pop for one of the industrial FP's. These units can run 24/7 and many have dual lamps for high light output and use in bright lighting situations like conference rooms and board rooms. You will also find that units like these from Panasonic run in the $10-$11K price range. That second RPTV or LCD doesn't look like such a bad investment anymore.

Regards,

JD
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post #319 of 791
8/26/07 at 4:51pm
Ugh, my iris just failed on me at around 500 hours. This is a unit manufactured in September 2006. Can't keep the unit on for more than 2 minutes, and of course it's while I'm in the middle of playing Bioshock

Looks like I'm calling Heartland first thing tomorrow.
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post #320 of 791
8/26/07 at 9:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdskycaster View Post

One thing you may want to consider is that front projection is not a replacement for everyday TV viewing.
JD

That is just your personal preference. There is no rule or law that says you should not use a front projector for everyday TV viewing. Many people, including me, do.
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post #321 of 791
8/26/07 at 10:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by karlsch View Post

That is just your personal preference. There is no rule or law that says you should not use a front projector for everyday TV viewing. Many people, including me, do.

This is not my preference. I would prefer to run my AX100 day and night and I would never ask that you take only my opinion on this topic. Of course you have the right to turn it on and never turn it off if you so wish.

Everyone should know that these units track usage which Panasonic determines to be excessive. You can be denied warranty coverage if this is the case.

JD
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post #322 of 791
8/26/07 at 11:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdskycaster View Post

Everyone should know that these units track usage which Panasonic determines to be excessive. You can be denied warranty coverage if this is the case.

JD

Sorry, you are wrong. Read the warranty.

It says it will be void if the projector is used continuously 24 hours per day 7 days per week. That's understandable. We're not talking about that.
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post #323 of 791
8/27/07 at 4:17am
jdskycaster is right,These fp are not for extended viewing,It says right in the owners manual.Do not use over 4 to 6 hours at a time.My ax100 is a year old and has only 300 hours on it.I only use it for movies in our dedicated HT room once or twice a week.Plus NFL games once the season gets going.But I do have 3 others HDTV'S in my house,I used my 55in RPTV the most.And save the ax100 for those special HD movies,But each his own,BOB
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post #324 of 791
8/27/07 at 2:23pm
As far as usage goes. To each their own. I'll be using mine as my main source and happily so. What's the worst that can happen? You go through bulbs more frequently? The unit dies in a couple years? Even so, If it died in 2yrs time, I'd be happy to purchase another PJ around this price point and still feel I'm ahead of the game over purchasing a seperate hdtv unit, large enough for my tastes, say $3500-$4000. I've only had mine a few days and I've kicked out my Pioneer 64" HDTV.

For those that are having the iris problem and their PJ is out of warranty, or you want to fix it right, look at DMI's fix. Post #263 of this thread. However, as fredgod figured out, there seems to be no need in soldering a wire in place. This is an easy fix and I took it another step. I opened the box up, took a wire and put a hook into it. I placed the wire in the iris hole, turned the unit on, watched for the iris to move, and held tension on the wire when it tried to open past the full open point. After it cycled through, I turned on the service menu and checked for the iris and it wasn't red anymore. I powered down, waited for the redlight to come on and turned off the main power. Then I turned on main power, turned on the power (cover still off) and everything ran like a champ. No wire in place. I did this cycle 5 times, letting the unit run for 15 minutes at a time. Iris problem solved. Obviously, I won't know if this is a permanent fix, and maybe soldering the wire permanetly in place will prevent it from happening ever again.

I don't know why heartland says its a grease problem, as my iris problem was right out of the box! If it was a grease problem, it would take some time to degrade it to the point it allows the iris to go past full open or whatever panny says it is. I've been trying to email them for a few days and there is a script error on their support site. So... if anyone emails them, tell them of DMI's fix. Thanks to DMI and fredgod for their posts!

The panny has an amazing picture and I wouldn't have anything else for this price point.
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post #325 of 791
8/27/07 at 3:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KarlDeAngelo View Post

Ugh, my iris just failed on me at around 500 hours. This is a unit manufactured in September 2006. Can't keep the unit on for more than 2 minutes, and of course it's while I'm in the middle of playing Bioshock

Looks like I'm calling Heartland first thing tomorrow.

My iris also failed a couple weeks ago at about 500 hours. Bought it in November '06. One reboot gets me going again and I'll address this soon. I don't want to send it in if the part is backordered. After all, it still works.

ALL of these units (in the USA) are still under warranty. The press release came out in mid September last year that this PJ was coming to market.

I still love the pic and I expect (hope) to get about 3 more years out of it. There would be new lamp required at some point but I don't have $2K to throw around every two years. This is an expensive but entertaining toy to me.
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post #326 of 791
8/27/07 at 7:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brewed View Post

My iris also failed a couple weeks ago at about 500 hours. Bought it in November '06. One reboot gets me going again and I'll address this soon. I don't want to send it in if the part is backordered. After all, it still works.

That's what mine was doing for two weeks prior to this. One reboot and I'd be good to go. Of course, I knew it would fail to function once I was into Bioshock but I hoped to finish the game, then send it in. The service center was confident in stating that it should only be 2-3 business days once the projector arrives. Sounds like they're getting quite a few of these...
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post #327 of 791
8/28/07 at 6:33am
just so everyone knows the instruction manual says do not run this for longer than 10 hour periods. I am looking at mine right now and that is what is written in manual.
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post #328 of 791
8/28/07 at 1:08pm
GEEZ, i didnt think this would raise such a debate. HAHHA. Actually I have had mine since March with 380 hrs on it now. I didnt use it a whole lot in the first month or so, but on and off since. There is no way its ever on more then like 3 or 4 hours at a time but it is used as one of the main tvs in our house. I have a 62"DLP HD in the next room as well which is used, all depends on how I feel at the time. I didnt spend a fortune to make a room I only use once a week. I cant wait for HD Hockey in a month or so...and NHL 08 on 360..oh and Halo 3...oh and Bioshock already..warhark for PS3....man oh man...fun winter

Ry
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post #329 of 791
8/28/07 at 1:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KarlDeAngelo View Post

That's what mine was doing for two weeks prior to this. One reboot and I'd be good to go. Of course, I knew it would fail to function once I was into Bioshock but I hoped to finish the game, then send it in. The service center was confident in stating that it should only be 2-3 business days once the projector arrives. Sounds like they're getting quite a few of these...

I bought mine November 2006 and I have the iris stucked now (lamp has 520hrs). I decided not to send the PJ to repair and continue using it with restating. But then there was another problem. The famous FLICKERING. I had the flicker problem from day one in eco-mode but now after the iris problem I have flickering in normal mode too!! So I decided to send my PJ to the service center. They told me they know the iris problem and that they will replace my iris for the new one. But they don't know anything about the flickering. I only hope that after the change of the iris the flickering will be gone, but I doubt it... Does anyone have the same problem? I mean the flickering in nomal mode aswell as in eco-mode. What should I do now? Thanks for replies
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post #330 of 791
8/28/07 at 2:00pm
Im guessing mine is doing the flickering as well. Is that a line that just pops up once in a while??
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